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Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 12, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VERISIGN INC/CA
Entity Central Index Key	0001014473
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		109,468,547
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3.0

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 228,659	$ 191,608
Marketable securities	1,686,771	1,233,076
Accounts receivable, net	12,638	13,448
Other current assets	39,856	41,658
Total current assets	1,967,924	1,479,790
Property and equipment, net	295,570	319,028
Goodwill	52,527	52,527
Long-term deferred tax assets	17,361	33,887
Other long-term assets	24,355	15,918
Total long-term assets	389,813	421,360
Total assets	2,357,737	1,901,150
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	188,171	190,278
Deferred revenues	680,483	621,307
Convertible Debentures, including contingent interest derivative	634,326	620,620
Total current liabilities	1,502,980	1,432,205
Long-term deferred revenues	280,859	269,047
Senior Notes	1,235,354	740,175
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	294,194	244,467
Other long-term tax liabilities	114,797	98,722
Total long-term liabilities	1,925,204	1,352,411
Total liabilities	3,428,184	2,784,616
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	323	322
Additional paid-in capital	17,558,822	18,120,045
Accumulated deficit	(18,625,599)	(19,000,835)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,993)	(2,998)
Total stockholders' deficit	(1,070,447)	(883,466)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$ 2,357,737	$ 1,901,150

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized shares	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	322,990	321,699
Common stock, outstanding shares	110,072	118,452

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,059,366	$ 1,010,117	$ 965,087
Costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues	192,788	188,425	187,013
Sales and marketing	90,184	92,001	89,337
Research and development	63,718	67,777	70,297
General and administrative	106,730	97,487	90,208
Total costs and expenses	453,420	445,690	436,855
Operating income	605,946	564,427	528,232
Interest expense	(107,631)	(85,994)	(74,761)
Non-operating income, net	(10,665)	4,878	3,300
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	487,650	483,311	456,771
Income tax (expense) benefit	(112,414)	(128,051)	87,679
Net income	375,236	355,260	544,450
Realized foreign currency translation adjustments, included in net income	(291)	0	81
Change in unrealized gain on investments, net of tax	(519)	84	(369)
Realized gain on investments, net of tax, included in net income	(185)	3	(2,409)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(995)	87	(2,697)
Comprehensive income	$ 374,241	$ 355,347	$ 541,753
Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 3.29	$ 2.80	$ 3.77
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 2.82	$ 2.52	$ 3.49
Shares used to compute net income per share
Basic	114,155	126,710	144,591
Diluted	133,031	140,895	155,786

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 319	$ 19,891,291	$ (19,900,545)	$ (388)	$ (9,323)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		153,392
Net income	$ 544,450	$ 0	0	544,450	0	544,450
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(2,697)	0	0	0	(2,697)	(2,697)
Issuance of common stock under stock plans		$ 1	20,666	0	0	20,667
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares		1,636
Stock-based compensation		$ 0	39,642	0	0	39,642
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		0	19,320	0	0	19,320
Repurchase of common stock		$ 0	(1,035,617)	0	0	(1,035,617)
Repurchase of common stock, shares		(21,304)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		$ 320	18,935,302	(19,356,095)	(3,085)	(423,558)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		133,724
Net income	355,260	$ 0	0	355,260	0	355,260
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	87	0	0	0	87	87
Issuance of common stock under stock plans		$ 2	17,595	0	0	17,597
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares		1,341
Stock-based compensation		$ 0	46,728	0	0	46,728
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		0	3,823	0	0	3,823
Repurchase of common stock		$ 0	(883,403)	0	0	(883,403)
Repurchase of common stock, shares		(16,613)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ (883,466)	$ 322	18,120,045	(19,000,835)	(2,998)	(883,466)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	118,452	118,452
Net income	$ 375,236	$ 0	0	375,236	0	375,236
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(995)	0	0	0	(995)	(995)
Issuance of common stock under stock plans		$ 1	14,689	0	0	14,690
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, shares		1,291
Stock-based compensation		$ 0	48,793	0	0	48,793
Net excess income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and other		0	18,464	0	0	18,464
Repurchase of common stock		$ 0	(643,169)	0	0	(643,169)
Repurchase of common stock, shares		(9,671)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (1,070,447)	$ 323	$ 17,558,822	$ (18,625,599)	$ (3,993)	$ (1,070,447)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	110,072	110,072

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 375,236	$ 355,260	$ 544,450
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of other intangible assets	61,491	63,690	60,655
Stock-based compensation	46,075	43,977	36,649
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	(18,464)	(6,054)	(19,320)
Unrealized loss (gain) on Derivatives	14,130	(2,249)	17,801
contingent interest payment for debenture	10,759	0	0
Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts	12,292	10,878	9,748
(Gain) loss on Sale of Investments	(185)	5	(18,861)
Other, net	(1,596)	475	4,434
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	661	(73)	(2,500)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,728)	11,571	(2,694)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	21,013	45,419	19,065
Deferred revenues	70,988	34,518	43,254
Net deferred income taxes and other long term tax liabilities	82,328	43,532	(113,284)
Net cash provided by operating activities	651,482	600,949	579,397
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities	2,767,027	3,428,659	3,508,569
Purchases of marketable securities	(3,219,329)	(3,277,096)	(3,450,068)
Purchases of property and equipment	(40,656)	(39,327)	(65,594)
Other investing activities	(3,941)	452	(3,969)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(496,899)	112,688	(11,062)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock from option exercises and employee stock purchase plans	14,690	17,597	20,667
Repurchases of common stock	(643,169)	(883,403)	(1,035,617)
Proceeds received from borrowing	492,237	0	738,297
Repayments of borrowings	0	0	(100,000)
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	18,464	6,054	19,320
Net cash used in financing activities	(117,778)	(859,752)	(357,333)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	246	(1,500)	(2,515)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	37,051	(147,615)	208,487
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	191,608	339,223	130,736
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	228,659	191,608	339,223
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	99,473	75,088	58,928
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	$ 39,723	$ 35,201	$ 26,133

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

VeriSign, Inc. (“Verisign” or “the Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on April 12, 1995. The Company has one reportable segment, which consists of Registry Services and Security Services, which was formerly known as Network Intelligence and Availability, or NIA Services. Registry Services ensure the security, stability and resiliency of key Internet infrastructure and services, including the .com and .net domains, two of the Internet’s root servers, and operation of the root-zone maintainer functions for the core of the Internet’s Domain Name System (“DNS”). Security Services provides infrastructure assurance services consisting of Distributed Denial of Services (“DDoS”) Protection Services, Verisign iDefense Security Intelligence Services (“iDefense”) and Managed Domain Name System (“Managed DNS”).

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Verisign and its subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“U.S.”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Reclassifications - Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a reduction of the related liability rather than an asset. This ASU is effective beginning in 2016. Early adoption is permitted and retrospective application is required. The Company elected to adopt this ASU effective June 30, 2015, and as a result, approximately $25.6 million and $20.4 million of debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are presented as a reduction of the related debt obligations.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This update requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective beginning in 2017. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. The Company elected to adopt this ASU effective December 31, 2015. The Company elected to apply this ASU retrospectively, therefore, all prior period amounts presented have been adjusted to be comparative to the current period presentation. As a result of the adoption of this standard, net current deferred tax liabilities of $477.6 million, as of December 31, 2014, were reclassified to long-term. This reclassification, and the subsequent netting of the new balances by jurisdiction, resulted in a decrease of long-term deferred tax assets of $233.1 million and an increase in long-term deferred tax liabilities of $244.5 million. There was no change to net income or total net deferred taxes as a result of the adoption of this standard.

Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Verisign considers all highly-liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include certain money market funds, debt securities and various deposit accounts. Verisign maintains its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions that have investment grade ratings and, as part of its cash management process, performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities primarily consist of debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. All marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of the marketable securities sold. The Company classifies its marketable securities as current based on their nature and availability for use in current operations.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets of 35 to 47 years for buildings, 10 years for building improvements and three to five years for computer equipment, software, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or associated lease terms. The Company capitalizes interest on facility assets under construction and on significant software development projects.

Capitalized Software

Software included in property and equipment includes amounts paid for purchased software and development costs for software used internally that have been capitalized. The following table summarizes the costs capitalized during 2015 and 2014, related to third-party implementation and consulting services as well as costs related to internally developed software.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Third-party implementation and consulting services	$	426	$	1,305
Internally developed software	$	20,061	$	20,039

Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment. All of the Company’s goodwill is included in the Registry Services reporting unit which has a negative carrying value. The Company performs a qualitative analysis at the end of each reporting period to determine if any events have occurred or circumstances exist that would indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The qualitative factors the Company reviews include, but are not limited to: (a) macroeconomic conditions; (b) industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates; (c) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; (d) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; (e) unanticipated competition; (f) loss of key personnel; (g) a more-likely-than-not expectation of sale or disposal of a reporting unit or a significant portion thereof; or (h) testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit.

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset, or asset group, may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the fair value of the underlying business, a significant decrease in the benefits realized from an acquired business, difficulties or delays in integrating the business or a significant change in the operations of an acquired business. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset, or asset group, to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, or asset group. An impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.

3.25% Junior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Due 2037 (“Subordinated Convertible Debentures”)

Verisign separately accounts for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures in a manner that reflects the borrowing rate for a similar non-convertible debt. The liability component is recognized at fair value on the issuance date, based on the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have a conversion feature at issuance. The excess of the principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures over the fair value of the liability component is the equity component or debt discount. Such excess represents the estimated fair value of the conversion feature and is recorded as Additional paid-in capital. The debt discount is amortized using the Company’s effective interest rate over the term of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures as a non-cash charge to interest expense. The Subordinated Convertible Debentures also have a contingent interest payment provision that may require the Company to pay interest based on certain thresholds, and upon the occurrence of certain events, as outlined in the Indenture governing the Subordinated Convertible Debentures. The contingent interest payment provision has been identified as an embedded derivative, to be accounted for separately at fair value, and is marked to market at the end of each reporting period, with any gains and losses recorded in Non-operating (loss) income, net.

Foreign Currency Remeasurement

Verisign conducts business throughout the world and transacts in multiple currencies. The functional currency for all of Verisign’s international subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. The Company’s subsidiaries’ financial statements are remeasured into U.S. Dollars using a combination of current and historical exchange rates and any remeasurement gains and losses are included in Non-operating (loss) income, net. The Company recorded a remeasurement loss of $3.1 million in 2013. Remeasurement gains in 2014 and losses in 2015 were $1.0 million or less.

Verisign maintains a foreign currency risk management program designed to mitigate foreign exchange risks associated with the monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in non-functional currencies. The primary objective of this program is to minimize the gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates. The Company does not enter into foreign currency transactions for trading or speculative purposes, nor does it hedge foreign currency exposures in a manner that entirely offsets the effects of changes in exchange rates. The program may entail the use of forward or option contracts, which are usually placed and adjusted monthly. These foreign currency forward contracts are derivatives and are recorded at fair market value. The Company records gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts in Non-operating (loss) income, net. The Company recorded gains of $1.5 million in 2013 related to foreign currency forward contracts. The Company recorded losses related to foreign currency forward contracts of less than $1.0 million in 2015 and 2014.

As of December 31, 2015, Verisign held foreign currency forward contracts in notional amounts totaling $32.5 million to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations associated with certain assets and liabilities held in foreign currencies.

Revenue Recognition

Verisign recognizes revenues when the following four criteria are met:


•	Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists: It is the Company’s customary practice to have a written contract, signed by both the customer and Verisign or a service order form from those customers who have previously negotiated a standard master services agreement with Verisign.


•	Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered: The Company’s services are usually delivered continuously from service activation date through the term of the arrangement.


•	The fee is fixed or determinable: Substantially all of the Company’s revenue arrangements have fixed or determinable fees.

•

Collectability is reasonably assured: Collectability is assessed on a customer-by-customer basis. Verisign typically sells to customers for whom there is a history of successful collection. The majority of customers either maintain a deposit with Verisign or provide an irrevocable letter of credit in excess of the amounts owed. New customers are subjected to a credit review process that evaluates the customer’s financial condition and, ultimately, their ability to pay. If Verisign determines from the outset of an arrangement that collectability is not probable based upon its credit review process, revenues are recognized as cash is collected.

Substantially all of the Company’s revenue arrangements have multiple service deliverables. However, all service deliverables in those arrangements are usually delivered over the same term and, in the absence of a discernible pattern of performance, are presumed to be delivered ratably over that service term.

If the Company enters into an arrangement with multiple elements where standalone value exists for each element and the delivery of the elements occur at different times, revenue for such arrangement is allocated to the elements based on the best estimate of selling prices of the elements and recognized based on applicable service term for each element.

Registry Services

Registry Services revenues primarily arise from fixed fees charged to registrars for the initial registration or renewal of .com, .net, and other domain names. Revenues from the initial registration or renewal of domain names are deferred and recognized ratably over the registration term, generally one year and up to ten years. Fees for renewals and advance extensions to the existing term are deferred until the new incremental period commences. These fees are then recognized ratably over the renewal term.

Verisign also offers promotional marketing programs to its registrars based upon market conditions and the business environment in which the registrars operate. Amounts payable to these registrars for such promotional marketing programs are usually recorded as a reduction of revenue. If Verisign obtains an identifiable benefit separate from the services it provides to the registrars, then amounts payable up to the fair value of the benefit received are recorded as advertising expenses and the excess, if any, is recorded as a reduction of revenue.

Security Services

Following the revenue recognition criteria above, revenues from Security Services are usually deferred and recognized over the service term, generally one to two years.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in Sales and marketing expenses. Advertising expenses were $6.3 million, $10.4 million, and $13.2 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Income Taxes

Verisign uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount whose realization is more likely than not. For every tax-paying component and within each tax jurisdiction, all deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset and presented as a single net noncurrent asset or liability.

The Company’s income taxes payable is reduced by the tax benefits from employee stock option exercises and restricted stock unit (“RSU”) vesting. The Company’s income tax benefit related to stock options is calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the fair market value of the stock and the exercise price at the time of option exercise. The Company’s income tax benefit related to RSUs is equal to the fair market value of the stock at the vesting date. If the income tax benefit at exercise or vesting date is greater than the income tax benefit recorded based on the grant date fair value of the stock options or RSUs, such excess tax benefit is recognized as an increase to Additional paid-in capital. If the income tax benefit at exercise or vesting date is less than the income tax benefit recorded based on the grant date fair value of the stock options or RSUs, the shortfall is recognized as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital to the extent of previously recognized excess tax benefits.

Verisign’s global operations involve dealing with uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in multiple jurisdictions. The final taxes payable are dependent upon many factors, including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions and resolution of disputes arising from U.S. federal, state, and international tax audits. The Company may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances; however, due to the complexity

of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from its current estimate of the tax liabilities.

The Company’s assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the value of a deferred tax asset take into account predictions of the amount and character of future taxable income, such as income from operations or capital gains income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and character of income in future years could render the Company’s current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net deferred taxes inaccurate. Any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above could cause the Company’s actual income tax obligations to differ from its estimates, thus materially impacting its financial condition and results of operations.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation is primarily related to RSUs granted to employees and its employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). For awards that are expected to vest, after considering estimated forfeitures, stock-based compensation expense is typically recognized ratably over the requisite service period. The Company also grants RSUs which include performance conditions, and in some cases market conditions, to certain executives. The expense for these performance-based RSUs is recognized based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions. The expense recognized for awards with market conditions is based on the grant date fair value of the awards including the impact of the market conditions. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of its ESPP offerings. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables.

Earnings per Share

The Company computes basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to dilutive potential common shares, including outstanding stock options, unvested RSUs, ESPP offerings and the conversion spread related to the Subordinated Convertible Debentures using the treasury stock method.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:


•	Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2: Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.


•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.

The Company measures and reports certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including its investments in money market funds classified as Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, foreign currency forward contracts, and the contingent interest derivative associated with the Subordinated Convertible Debentures.

Legal Proceedings

Verisign is involved in various investigations, claims and lawsuits arising in the normal conduct of its business, none of which, in its opinion, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company cannot assure you that it will prevail in any litigation. Regardless of the outcome, any litigation may require the Company to incur significant litigation expense and may result in significant diversion of management attention.

While certain legal proceedings and related indemnification obligations to which the Company is a party specify the amounts claimed, such claims may not represent reasonably possible losses. Given the inherent uncertainties of the litigation, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted at this time, nor can the amount of possible loss or range of loss, if any, be reasonably estimated, except in circumstances where an aggregate litigation accrual has been recorded for probable and reasonably estimable loss contingencies. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each matter. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The Company does not believe that any such matter currently being reviewed will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	99,027	$	110,799
Money market funds	137,593		85,453
Time deposits	4,007		3,384
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury	1,685,882		1,233,076
Equity securities of public companies	890		—
Total	$	1,927,399	$	1,432,712

Included in Cash and cash equivalents	$	228,659	$	191,608
Included in Marketable securities	$	1,686,771	$	1,233,076
Included in Other long-term assets (Restricted cash)	$	11,969	$	8,028

The fair value of the debt securities held as of December 31, 2015 was $1.7 billion, including less than $1.0 million of gross and net unrealized losses. All of the debt securities held as of December 31, 2015 have contractual maturities of less than one year.

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2015:
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	137,593	$	137,593	$	—	$	—
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury	1,685,882		1,685,882		—		—
Equity securities of public companies	890		890		—		—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	230		—		230		—
Total	$	1,824,595	$	1,824,365	$	230	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	30,126	$	—	$	—	$	30,126
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	164		—		164		—
Total	$	30,290	$	—	$	164	$	30,126
As of December 31, 2014:
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	85,453	$	85,453	$	—	$	—
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury	1,233,076		1,233,076		—		—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	330		—		330		—
Total	$	1,318,859	$	1,318,529	$	330	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	26,755	$	—	$	—	$	26,755
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	169		—		169		—
Total	$	26,924	$	—	$	169	$	26,755


(1)	Included in Other current assets


(2)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

The fair value of the Company’s investments in money market funds approximates their face value. Such instruments are classified as Level 1 and are included in Cash and cash equivalents.

The fair value of the debt securities consisting of U.S. Treasury bills is based on their quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1. Debt securities purchased with original maturities in excess of three months are included in Marketable securities.

The fair value of the equity securities of public companies is based on quoted market prices and are classified as Level 1. Investments in equity securities of public companies are included in marketable securities.

The fair value of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency rates quoted by banks or foreign currency dealers and other public data sources.

The Company utilizes a valuation model to estimate the fair value of the contingent interest derivative on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures. The inputs to the model include stock price, bond price, risk free interest rates, volatility, and credit spread observations. As several significant inputs are not observable, the overall fair value measurement of the derivative is classified as Level 3. The volatility and credit spread assumptions used in the calculation are the most significant unobservable inputs. As of December 31, 2015, the valuation of the contingent interest derivative assumed a volatility rate of approximately 29% and a credit spread of approximately 5%. The fair value of the contingent interest derivative would not have significantly changed using a volatility rate of either 24% or 34%, or a credit spread of either 4% or 6%.

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the Company’s contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	26,755		$	29,004
Unrealized loss (gain) on contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	14,130			(2,249		)
Payment of contingent interest	(10,759		)	—
Ending balance	$	30,126		$	26,755

In August 2015, the upside trigger on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures was met for the six month interest period from August 15, 2015 through February 15, 2016. On February 16, 2016, the Company paid contingent interest of $6.5 million in addition to the normal coupon interest to holders of record of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures as of February 1, 2016. The value of the contingent interest payable in February 2016 is included in the balance of the contingent interest derivative on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures as of December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s other financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, restricted cash, and accounts payable whose carrying values approximated their fair values. The fair value of the Company’s Subordinated Convertible Debentures was $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2015. The fair values of the Company’s senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 Senior Notes”) and the senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Senior Notes”) were $742.0 million and $503.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. The fair values of these debt instruments are based on available market information from public data sources and are classified as Level 2.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Other Balance Sheet Items

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]

Other Balance Sheet Items

Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Prepaid expenses	$	14,823	$	16,190
Income tax receivables	23,098		23,448
Other	1,935		2,020
Total other current assets	$	39,856	$	41,658

Property and Equipment, Net

The following table presents the detail of property and equipment, net:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Land	$	31,141		$	31,141
Buildings and building improvements	244,760			243,300
Computer equipment and software	432,463			403,945
Capital work in progress	5,406			7,520
Office equipment and furniture	6,203			6,341
Leasehold improvements	1,350			1,858
Total cost	721,323			694,105
Less: accumulated depreciation	(425,753		)	(375,077		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	295,570		$	319,028

Goodwill

The following table presents the detail of goodwill:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Goodwill, gross	$	1,537,843		$	1,537,843
Accumulated goodwill impairment	(1,485,316		)	(1,485,316		)
Total goodwill	$	52,527		$	52,527

There was no impairment of goodwill or other long-lived assets recognized in any of the periods presented.

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Long-term restricted cash	11,969		8,028
Other tax receivable	5,673		5,673
Long-term prepaid expenses and other assets	6,713		2,217
Total other long-term assets	$	24,355	$	15,918

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Accounts payable	$	23,298	$	29,335
Accrued employee compensation	51,851		49,470
Customer deposits, net	48,307		30,103
Interest Payable	27,701		21,138
Taxes payable and other tax liabilities	16,943		47,079
Other accrued liabilities	20,071		13,153
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	188,171	$	190,278

Debt And Interest Expense

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt And Interest Expense

Debt and Interest Expense

Senior Notes due 2025

On March 27, 2015, the Company issued $500.0 million principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2025. The proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, the repurchase of shares of its common stock under its share buyback program. In connection with the offering the Company incurred $6.5 million of issuance costs which are being amortized to Interest expense over the 10 year term of the notes. The Company pays interest on the notes semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The Company may redeem the 2025 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the Company’s option at specified redemption prices.

Senior Notes due 2023

On April 16, 2013, the Company issued $750.0 million principal amount of 4.625% senior unsecured notes due May 1, 2023. In connection with the offering the Company incurred $12.0 million of issuance costs which are being amortized to Interest expense over the 10 year term of the Senior Notes. The Company pays interest on the notes semi-annually on May 1 and November 1. The Company may redeem the 2023 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the Company’s option at specified redemption prices.

The Indenture governing the 2023 Senior Notes contains covenants that limit the ability of the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries, under certain circumstances, to, among other things: (i) pay dividends or make distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, its capital stock; (ii) make certain investments; (iii) create liens on assets; (iv) enter into sale/leaseback transactions and (v) merge or consolidate or sell all or substantially all of its assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, may permit or, in certain circumstances, require the principal, premium, if any, accrued and unpaid interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately.

2015 Credit Facility

On March 31, 2015, the Company entered into a new credit agreement for a $200.0 million committed senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2015 Credit Facility”). The 2015 Credit Facility replaced the previous credit facility which was set to expire in November 2016, with substantially similar terms. The 2015 Credit Facility includes financial covenants requiring that the Company’s interest coverage ratio not be less than 3.0 to 1.0 for any period of four consecutive quarters and the Company’s leverage ratio not exceed 2.5 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the facility and the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants. The 2015 Credit Facility expires on April 1, 2020 at which time any outstanding borrowings are due. Verisign may from time to time request lenders to agree on a discretionary basis to increase the commitment amount by up to an aggregate of $150.0 million.

Subordinated Convertible Debentures

In August 2007, Verisign issued $1.25 billion principal amount of 3.25% subordinated convertible debentures due August 15, 2037, in a private offering. The Subordinated Convertible Debentures are initially convertible, subject to certain conditions, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of 29.0968 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Subordinated Convertible Debentures, representing an initial effective conversion price of approximately $34.37 per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment for certain events as outlined in the Indenture governing the Subordinated Convertible Debentures but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 36.4 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion or repurchase of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures.

On or after August 15, 2017, the Company may redeem all or part of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures for the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest if the closing price of the Company’s common stock has been at least 150% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading-day period prior to the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption.

The Company’s common stock price exceeded the current conversion price threshold trigger of $44.68 during the fourth quarter of 2015. Accordingly, the Subordinated Convertible Debentures were convertible at the option of each holder during the first quarter of 2016. Further, in the event of conversion, the Company intends, and has the ability, to settle the principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures in cash, and therefore, classified the debt component of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and the embedded contingent interest derivative as a current liability, as of December 31, 2015. The determination of whether or not the Subordinated Convertible Debentures are convertible, and accordingly, the classification as long-term or current, must continue to be performed quarterly. As of December 31, 2015, the if-converted value of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures exceeded its principal amount. Based on the if-converted value of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures as of December 31, 2015, the conversion spread could have required the Company to issue up to an additional 22.1 million shares of common stock.

The Company calculated the carrying value of the liability component at issuance as the present value of its cash flows using a discount rate of 8.5% (borrowing rate for similar non-convertible debt with no contingent payment options), adjusted for the fair value of the contingent interest feature, yielding an effective interest rate of 8.39%. The excess of the principal amount of the debt over the carrying value of the liability component is also referred to as the “debt discount” or “equity component” of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures. The debt discount is being amortized using the Company’s effective interest rate of 8.39% over the term of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures as a non-cash charge included in Interest expense. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining term of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures is 21.6 years. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on August 15 and February 15.

Proceeds upon issuance of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures were as follows (in thousands):



Principal value of Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000
Less: Issuance costs	(25,777		)
Net proceeds, Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223
Amounts recognized at issuance:
Subordinated Convertible Debentures, including contingent interest derivative (net of issuance costs of $11,328)	$	546,915
Additional paid-in capital	418,996
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	267,225
Non-operating loss	(8,913		)
Net proceeds, Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223

The table below presents the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Debt discount upon issuance (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$	686,221		$	686,221
Deferred taxes associated with the debt discount upon issuance	(267,225		)	(267,225		)
Carrying amount of equity component	$	418,996		$	418,996

Principal amount of Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000		$	1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(635,378		)	(645,565		)
Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the liability component	(10,422		)	(10,570		)
Carrying amount of liability component	604,200			593,865
Contingent interest derivative	30,126			26,755
Subordinated Convertible Debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	634,326		$	620,620

The following table presents the components of the Company’s interest expense:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Contractual interest on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	40,625		$	40,625		$	40,625
Contractual interest on Senior Notes	54,667			34,688			24,570
Amortization of debt discount on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures	10,218			9,412			8,670
Interest capitalized to Property and equipment, net	(586		)	(707		)	(1,218		)
Credit facility and other interest expense	2,707			1,976			2,114
Total interest expense	$	107,631		$	85,994		$	74,761

Stockholders' Deficit

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Deficit

Stockholders’ Deficit

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method. Treasury stock includes shares repurchased under Stock Repurchase Programs and shares withheld in lieu of minimum tax withholdings due upon vesting of RSUs.

On January 30, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized the repurchase of approximately $452.9 million of its common stock, in addition to the $547.1 million of its common stock remaining available for repurchase under the previous share repurchase program, for a total repurchase authorization of up to $1.0 billion of its common stock. The share repurchase program has no expiration date. Purchases made under the program could be effected through open market transactions, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase agreements or other negotiated transactions. As of December 31, 2015 there was approximately $454.5 million remaining available for repurchases under the share buyback program.

Effective February 11, 2016, the Company’s Board authorized the repurchase of approximately $611.2 million of its common stock, in addition to the $388.8 million of its common stock remaining available for repurchase under the previous share repurchase program, for a total repurchase authorization of up to $1.0 billion of its common stock.

The summary of the Company’s common stock repurchases for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	2015				2014				2013
	Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Total repurchases under the repurchase plans	9,338		$	66.59	16,316		$	53.15	21,006		$	48.65
Total repurchases for tax withholdings	333		$	64.03	297		$	54.73	298		$	46.16
Total repurchases	9,671		$	66.50	16,613		$	53.18	21,304		$	48.61
Total costs	$	643,169			$	883,403			$	1,035,617

Since inception, the Company has repurchased 212.9 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $7.5 billion, which is recorded as a reduction of Additional paid-in capital.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table summarizes the changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2015 and 2014:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Loss			Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(3,160	)	$	75		$	(3,085	)
Changes	—			87			87
Balance, December 31, 2014	(3,160		)	162			(2,998		)
Changes	(291		)	(704		)	(995		)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	(3,451	)	$	(542	)	$	(3,993	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section S99
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+ Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share Attributable To Verisign Stockholders

Calculation of Earnings per Share

The following table presents the computation of weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015	2014	2013
	(In thousands)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	114,155	126,710	144,591
Weighted-average potential shares of common stock outstanding:
Conversion spread related to Subordinated Convertible Debentures	18,047	13,384	10,361
Unvested RSUs	785	740	709
Stock options and ESPP	44	61	125
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share	133,031	140,895	155,786

The calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, excludes potentially dilutive securities, the effect of which would have been anti-dilutive, as well as performance based RSUs granted by the Company for which the relevant performance criteria have not been achieved. The number of potential shares excluded from the calculation was not significant in any period presented.

Geographic And Customer Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Geographic And Customer Information

Geographic and Customer Information

The Company generates revenue in the U.S.; Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); Australia, China, India, and other Asia Pacific countries (“APAC”); and certain other countries, including Canada and Latin American countries.

The following table presents a comparison of the Company’s geographic revenues:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	639,170	$	616,125	$	585,201
EMEA	193,623		182,897		169,767
APAC	151,461		133,748		129,664
Other	75,112		77,347		80,455
Total revenues	$	1,059,366	$	1,010,117	$	965,087

Revenues for our Registry Services business are generally attributed to the country of domicile and the respective regions in which the Company’s registrars are located, however, this may differ from the regions where the registrars operate or where registrants are located. Revenue growth for each region may be impacted by registrars reincorporating, relocating, or from acquisitions or changes in affiliations of resellers. Revenue growth for each region may also be impacted by registrars domiciled in one region, registering domain names in another region.

The following table presents a comparison of property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	287,986	$	308,563
EMEA	7,544		9,919
APAC	40		546
Total property and equipment, net	$	295,570	$	319,028

Major Customers

One customer accounted for approximately 31% of revenues in 2015 and 2014, and 30% in 2013. The Company does not believe that the loss of this customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business because, in that event, end-users of this customer would transfer to the Company’s other existing customers.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

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+ Details

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation

Employee Benefits and Stock-based Compensation

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the “401(k) Plan”) for substantially all of its U.S. employees. Under the 401(k) Plan, eligible employees may contribute up to 50% of their pre-tax salary, subject to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) annual contribution limits. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company matched 50% of the employee’s contribution up to a total of 6% of the employee’s annual salary. The Company contributed $3.7 million in 2015, $3.4 million in 2014, and $3.1 million in 2013 under the 401(k) Plan. The Company can terminate matching contributions at its discretion at any time.

Equity Incentive Plan

The majority of Verisign’s stock-based compensation relates to RSUs. As of December 31, 2015, a total of 12.3 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon the vesting of RSUs and for the future grant of equity awards.

On May 26, 2006, the stockholders of Verisign approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan authorizes the award of incentive stock options to employees and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, RSUs, stock bonus awards, stock appreciation rights and performance shares to eligible employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisers. The 2006 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee which may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board or Verisign’s officers the ability to grant certain awards and take certain other actions with respect to participants who are not executive officers or non-employee directors. RSUs are awards covering a specified number of shares of Verisign common stock that may be settled by issuance of those shares (which may be restricted shares). RSUs generally vest in four installments with 25% of the shares vesting on each anniversary of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. Certain performance-based RSUs, granted to the Company’s executives, vest over two and three year terms. Additionally, the Company has granted fully vested RSUs to members of its Board in each of the last three years. The Compensation Committee may authorize grants with a different vesting schedule in the future. A total of 27.0 million common shares were authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan.

2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On August 30, 2007, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A total of 6.0 million common shares were authorized and reserved for issuance under the ESPP. Eligible employees may purchase common stock through payroll deductions by electing to have between 2% and 25% of their compensation withheld to cover the purchase price. Each participant is granted an option to purchase common stock on the first day of each 24-month offering period and this option is automatically exercised on the last day of each six-month purchase period during the offering period. The purchase price for the common stock under the ESPP is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the common stock on the first day of the applicable offering period or the last day of the applicable purchase period. Offering periods begin on the first business day of February and August of each year. As of December 31, 2015, 1.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance under this plan.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is classified in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in the same expense line items as cash compensation. The following table presents the classification of stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Cost of revenues	$	7,009	$	6,400	$	6,156
Sales and marketing	6,763		8,023		6,252
Research and development	6,488		7,018		7,199
General and administrative	25,815		22,536		17,042
Total stock-based compensation	$	46,075	$	43,977	$	36,649

The following table presents the nature of the Company’s total stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
RSUs	$	36,664		$	32,304		$	29,123
Performance-based RSUs	8,078			10,232			5,033
ESPP	4,051			4,192			5,486
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)	(2,718		)	(2,751		)	(2,993		)
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	46,075		$	43,977		$	36,649

The income tax benefit recognized on stock-based compensation within Income tax expense for 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $16.0 million, $15.1 million, and $11.9 million, respectively.

RSUs Information

The following table summarizes unvested RSUs activity:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015				2014				2013
	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	(Shares in thousands)
Unvested at beginning of period	2,179		$	46.36	2,442		$	38.00	2,478		$	32.07
Granted	1,075		61.74		909		55.05		1,132		45.08
Vested and settled	(932	)	43.92		(878	)	35.99		(900	)	30.73
Forfeited	(212	)	51.47		(294	)	44.00		(268	)	36.09
	2,110		$	54.77	2,179		$	46.36	2,442		$	38.00

The RSUs in the table above include certain RSUs granted to the Company’s executives that are subject to performance conditions, and in some cases, market conditions. The unvested RSUs as of December 31, 2015 include approximately 0.3 million RSUs subject to performance and/or market conditions. The number of RSUs, subject to these performance and market conditions, that ultimately vest may range from zero to a maximum of 0.6 million RSUs depending on the level of performance achieved and whether any market conditions are satisfied.

The closing price of Verisign’s stock was $87.36 on December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate market value of unvested RSUs was $184.3 million. The fair values of RSUs that vested during 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $59.8 million, $47.9 million, and $41.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs was $64.3 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Non-operating income, net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Non-operating (loss) income, net [Abstract]

Non-operating Income, Net

The following table presents the components of Non-operating income, net:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Realized net gain (loss) on investments	$	185		$	(5	)	$	18,861
Unrealized (loss) gain on contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	(14,130		)	2,249			(17,801		)
Interest and dividend income	2,128			922			1,897
Other, net	1,152			1,712			343
Total non-operating (loss) income, net	$	(10,665	)	$	4,878		$	3,300

The realized net gain on investments in 2013 included gains of $15.8 million from the sale of certain cost method investments, and $3.0 million from the sale of the Company’s investment in the equity securities of a public company. The unrealized gains and losses on the contingent interest derivative on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures reflects the change in value of the derivative that results primarily from the changes in the Company’s stock price. Interest and dividend income is earned principally from the Company’s surplus cash balances and marketable securities.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Income Taxes

Income before income taxes is categorized geographically as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
United States	$	248,932	$	270,373	$	250,041
Foreign	238,718		212,938		206,730
Total income before income taxes	$	487,650	$	483,311	$	456,771

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Current (expense) benefit:
Federal	$	(13,601	)	$	(4,643	)	$	(1,104	)
State	(156		)	14			(8,150		)
Foreign, including withholding tax	(17,241		)	(69,614		)	(13,613		)
	(30,998		)	(74,243		)	(22,867		)
Deferred (expense) benefit:
Federal	(65,168		)	(76,614		)	53,629
State	(15,767		)	(15,402		)	66,701
Foreign	(481		)	38,208			(9,784		)
	(81,416		)	(53,808		)	110,546
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(112,414	)	$	(128,051	)	$	87,679

The difference between income tax (expense) benefit and the amount resulting from applying the federal statutory rate of 35% to Income before income taxes is attributable to the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	(170,677	)	$	(169,159	)	$	(159,870	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(9,616		)	(11,308		)	(13,821		)
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	66,238			57,876			51,016
Reorganization of certain non-U.S. operations	—			(14,474		)	—
Tax (expense) benefit from worthless stock deduction	—			(14,497		)	1,717,466
Change in valuation allowance	(434		)	41,700			(1,195,303		)
Repatriation of foreign earnings	—			4,164			(167,115		)
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(706		)	(22,719		)	(140,596		)
Other	2,781			366			(4,098		)
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(112,414	)	$	(128,051	)	$	87,679

During 2014 the Company repatriated $740.9 million of cash held by foreign subsidiaries, net of $28.1 million of foreign withholding taxes which were accrued during 2013. The Company utilized the majority of the remaining deferred tax asset for net operating loss carryforwards generated from the 2013 worthless stock deduction to offset the income tax resulting from 2014 income and the repatriation. During 2013, the Company recorded income tax expense of $167.1 million for taxable income generated in the U.S. related to the repatriation. During 2014, the Company recognized a net income tax benefit of $8.6 million, resulting from the completion of the repatriation and changes to estimates related to the 2013 worthless stock deduction. The components of this net benefit are included in the table above for changes in valuation allowances, adjustments to the benefit from the worthless stock deduction, changes to the accrual for uncertain tax positions and the repatriation of foreign earnings.

Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because these earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. As of December 31, 2015, the amount of such earnings was $667.0 million. The amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to undistributed foreign earnings is estimated to be $187.4 million.

The Company qualifies currently for two tax holidays in Switzerland. The tax holidays provide reduced rates of taxation on certain types of income and also require certain thresholds of foreign source income. One of the tax holidays is effective through December 31, 2016, and upon expiration may be subject to renewal if certain criteria are satisfied. The other tax holiday, which took effect beginning in 2015, is indefinite, unless the required thresholds are no longer met, or there is a law change which eliminates the holiday. The Company qualified for another tax holiday in Switzerland, which expired on December 31, 2014, and was not extended. These tax holidays increased the Company’s earnings per share by $0.14, $0.50 and $0.18 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company incurred a charge of $14.5 million in non-US income taxes as a result of a reorganization of certain international operations.

During 2013, the Company liquidated for tax purposes one of its domestic subsidiaries, which allowed the Company to claim a worthless stock deduction on its 2013 federal income tax return. During 2013 the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $375.3 million related to the worthless stock deduction, net of valuation allowances and accrual for uncertain tax positions.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	56,108		$	61,059
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	21,044			34,586
Tax credit carryforwards	86,951			100,190
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	106,572			103,794
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	1,162,320			1,161,896
Other	5,039			4,956
Total deferred tax assets	1,438,034			1,466,481
Valuation allowance	(1,162,604		)	(1,162,170		)
Net deferred tax assets	275,430			304,311
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(10,787		)	(16,115		)
Subordinated Convertible debentures	(538,098		)	(494,625		)
Other	(3,378		)	(4,151		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(552,263		)	(514,891		)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(276,833	)	$	(210,580	)

With the exception of deferred tax assets related to capital loss carryforwards, management believes it is more likely than not that the tax effects of the deferred tax liabilities together with future taxable income, will be sufficient to fully recover the remaining deferred tax assets.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8.9 million, $1.6 billion and $ 20.2 million, respectively, before applying tax rates for the respective jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had federal and state research tax credits of $28.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and alternative minimum tax credits of $19.8 million available for future years. Certain net operating loss carryforwards and credits are subject to an annual limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, but are expected to be fully realized. In future periods, an aggregate, tax effected amount of $59.3 million will be recorded to Additional paid-in capital when carried forward excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation are utilized to reduce future cash tax payments. The federal and state net operating loss and federal tax credit carryforwards expire in various years from 2016 through 2034. The foreign net operating loss can be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had federal and state capital loss carryforwards of $3.0 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, before applying tax rates for the respective jurisdictions. The capital loss carryforwards expire in 2018 and are also subject to annual limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect to realize any tax benefits from the capital loss carryforwards and accordingly has reserved the entire amount through valuation allowance and accrual for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has foreign tax credit carryforwards of $173.1 million. The majority of these foreign tax credits will expire in 2024.

The deferred tax liability related to the Subordinated Convertible Debentures is driven by the excess of the tax deduction taken for interest expense over the amount of interest expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The interest expense deducted for tax purposes is based on the adjusted issue price of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures, while the interest expense recognized in accordance with GAAP is based only on the liability portion of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures. The adjusted issue price of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures grows over the term due to the difference between the interest deduction taken for income tax, using a comparable yield of 8.5%, and the coupon rate of 3.25%, compounded annually, adjusted for actual versus projected contingent interest payments

The Company maintains liabilities for uncertain tax positions. These liabilities involve considerable judgment and estimation and are continuously monitored by management based on the best information available including changes in tax regulations and other information. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	219,908	$	197,189
Increases in tax positions for prior years	—		22,538
Increases in tax positions for current year	372		181
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	220,280	$	219,908

As of December 31, 2015, approximately $211.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, could affect the Company’s tax provision and effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that during the next twelve months, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits may change by a significant amount as a result IRS audits. However the timing of completion and ultimate outcome of the audit remains uncertain. Therefore, the Company cannot currently estimate the impact on the balance of unrecognized tax benefits.

In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. These accruals were not material in any period presented.

The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions are the U.S., the state of Virginia, and Switzerland. The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns are currently under examination by the IRS for 2010 through 2014. The Company’s other tax returns are not currently under examination by their respective taxing jurisdictions. Because the Company uses historic net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset its taxable income in current and future years’ income tax returns for the U.S. and Virginia, such attributes can be adjusted by these taxing authorities until the statute closes on the year in which such attributes were utilized. The open years in Switzerland are the 2011 tax year and forward.

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Obligations and Contractual Agreements

The following table represents the minimum payments required by Verisign under certain purchase obligations, leases, the .tv Agreement with the Government of Tuvalu, and the interest payments and principal on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures and the Senior Notes:



	Purchase Obligations		.tv Agreement		Senior Notes		Subordinated Convertible Debentures		Total
	(In thousands)
2016	$	28,001	$	5,000	$	60,938	$	47,170	$	141,109
2017	3,950		5,000		60,938		40,625		110,513
2018	47		5,000		60,938		40,625		106,610
2019	—		5,000		60,938		40,625		106,563
2020	—		5,000		60,938		40,625		106,563
Thereafter	—		5,000		1,472,187		1,925,391		3,402,578
Total	$	31,998	$	30,000	$	1,776,877	$	2,135,061	$	3,973,936

The amounts in the table above exclude $211.0 million of income tax related uncertain tax positions, as the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or time of settlement of those liabilities.

Verisign enters into certain purchase obligations with various vendors. The Company’s significant purchase obligations includes firm commitments with telecommunication carriers and other service providers. The Company does not have any significant purchase obligations beyond 2017.

The Company has an agreement with Internet Corporation for Assigned Name and Numbers (“ICANN”) to be the sole registry operator for domain names in the .com registry through November 30, 2018. Under this agreement, the Company pays ICANN on a quarterly basis, $0.25 for each annual increment of a domain name registered or renewed during such quarter. As of December 31, 2015, there were 124.0 million domain names in the .com registry. However, the number of domain names registered and renewed each quarter may vary significantly. The Company incurred registry fees for the .com registry of $30.9 million in 2015, $28.4 million in 2014, and $27.9 million in 2013. Registry fees for other top-level domains that we operate have been excluded from the table above because the amounts are variable or passed through to registrars.

The Company has an agreement with the Government of Tuvalu to be the sole registry operator for .tv domain names through December 31, 2021. Registry fees were $5.0 million in 2015, $4.5 million in 2014, and $4.5 million in 2013.

Verisign leases a small portion of its facilities under operating leases that extend into 2017. Rental expenses under operating leases were not material in any period presented. Future rental expenses under existing operating leases are not material.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, the Company is not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if the Company had engaged in such relationships.

It is not the Company’s business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements. However, in the normal course of business, the Company does enter into contracts in which it makes representations and warranties that guarantee the performance of the Company’s products and services. Historically, there have been no significant losses related to such guarantees.

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Marketable Securities

Property And Equipment

Property and Equipment

Capitalized Software



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Third-party implementation and consulting services	$	426	$	1,305
Internally developed software	$	20,061	$	20,039

Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Other Long-lived Assets

3.25% Junior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Due 2037 ("Convertible Debentures")

3.25% Junior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Due 2037 (“Subordinated Convertible Debentures”)

Foreign Currency Remeasurement

Revenue Recognition

Verisign recognizes revenues when the following four criteria are met:


•	Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists: It is the Company’s customary practice to have a written contract, signed by both the customer and Verisign or a service order form from those customers who have previously negotiated a standard master services agreement with Verisign.


•	Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered: The Company’s services are usually delivered continuously from service activation date through the term of the arrangement.


•	The fee is fixed or determinable: Substantially all of the Company’s revenue arrangements have fixed or determinable fees.

•

Registry Services

Security Services

Following the revenue recognition criteria above, revenues from Security Services are usually deferred and recognized over the service term, generally one to two years.

Advertising Expenses

Income Taxes

of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from its current estimate of the tax liabilities.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments


•	Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


•	Level 2: Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.


•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Legal Proceedings

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Capitalized Costs

The following table summarizes the costs capitalized during 2015 and 2014, related to third-party implementation and consulting services as well as costs related to internally developed software.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Third-party implementation and consulting services	$	426	$	1,305
Internally developed software	$	20,061	$	20,039

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Cash	$	99,027	$	110,799
Money market funds	137,593		85,453
Time deposits	4,007		3,384
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury	1,685,882		1,233,076
Equity securities of public companies	890		—
Total	$	1,927,399	$	1,432,712

Included in Cash and cash equivalents	$	228,659	$	191,608
Included in Marketable securities	$	1,686,771	$	1,233,076
Included in Other long-term assets (Restricted cash)	$	11,969	$	8,028

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:



			Fair Value Measurement Using
	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2015:
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	137,593	$	137,593	$	—	$	—
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury	1,685,882		1,685,882		—		—
Equity securities of public companies	890		890		—		—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	230		—		230		—
Total	$	1,824,595	$	1,824,365	$	230	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	30,126	$	—	$	—	$	30,126
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	164		—		164		—
Total	$	30,290	$	—	$	164	$	30,126
As of December 31, 2014:
Assets:
Investments in money market funds	$	85,453	$	85,453	$	—	$	—
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury	1,233,076		1,233,076		—		—
Foreign currency forward contracts (1)	330		—		330		—
Total	$	1,318,859	$	1,318,529	$	330	$	—
Liabilities:
Contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	26,755	$	—	$	—	$	26,755
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	169		—		169		—
Total	$	26,924	$	—	$	169	$	26,755


(1)	Included in Other current assets


(2)	Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Changes In Fair Value Measurement Of Level 3 Items

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the Company’s contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	26,755		$	29,004
Unrealized loss (gain) on contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	14,130			(2,249		)
Payment of contingent interest	(10,759		)	—
Ending balance	$	30,126		$	26,755

Other Balance Sheet Items (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]

Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets

Other current assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Prepaid expenses	$	14,823	$	16,190
Income tax receivables	23,098		23,448
Other	1,935		2,020
Total other current assets	$	39,856	$	41,658

Property And Equipment, Net

The following table presents the detail of property and equipment, net:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Land	$	31,141		$	31,141
Buildings and building improvements	244,760			243,300
Computer equipment and software	432,463			403,945
Capital work in progress	5,406			7,520
Office equipment and furniture	6,203			6,341
Leasehold improvements	1,350			1,858
Total cost	721,323			694,105
Less: accumulated depreciation	(425,753		)	(375,077		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	295,570		$	319,028

Goodwill

The following table presents the detail of goodwill:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Goodwill, gross	$	1,537,843		$	1,537,843
Accumulated goodwill impairment	(1,485,316		)	(1,485,316		)
Total goodwill	$	52,527		$	52,527

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Long-term restricted cash	11,969		8,028
Other tax receivable	5,673		5,673
Long-term prepaid expenses and other assets	6,713		2,217
Total other long-term assets	$	24,355	$	15,918

Components Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Accounts payable	$	23,298	$	29,335
Accrued employee compensation	51,851		49,470
Customer deposits, net	48,307		30,103
Interest Payable	27,701		21,138
Taxes payable and other tax liabilities	16,943		47,079
Other accrued liabilities	20,071		13,153
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	188,171	$	190,278

Debt And Interest Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Proceeds upon issuance of the Convertible Debentures

Proceeds upon issuance of the Subordinated Convertible Debentures were as follows (in thousands):



Principal value of Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000
Less: Issuance costs	(25,777		)
Net proceeds, Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223
Amounts recognized at issuance:
Subordinated Convertible Debentures, including contingent interest derivative (net of issuance costs of $11,328)	$	546,915
Additional paid-in capital	418,996
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	267,225
Non-operating loss	(8,913		)
Net proceeds, Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,224,223

Schedule of Carrying Amounts of Liability and Equity Components

The table below presents the carrying amounts of the liability and equity components:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Debt discount upon issuance (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	$	686,221		$	686,221
Deferred taxes associated with the debt discount upon issuance	(267,225		)	(267,225		)
Carrying amount of equity component	$	418,996		$	418,996

Principal amount of Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	1,250,000		$	1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(635,378		)	(645,565		)
Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the liability component	(10,422		)	(10,570		)
Carrying amount of liability component	604,200			593,865
Contingent interest derivative	30,126			26,755
Subordinated Convertible Debentures, including contingent interest derivative	$	634,326		$	620,620

Schedule of Components of Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of the Company’s interest expense:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Contractual interest on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	$	40,625		$	40,625		$	40,625
Contractual interest on Senior Notes	54,667			34,688			24,570
Amortization of debt discount on the Subordinated Convertible Debentures	10,218			9,412			8,670
Interest capitalized to Property and equipment, net	(586		)	(707		)	(1,218		)
Credit facility and other interest expense	2,707			1,976			2,114
Total interest expense	$	107,631		$	85,994		$	74,761

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' Deficit (Equity) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Common Stock Repurchase

The summary of the Company’s common stock repurchases for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



	2015				2014				2013
	Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price		Shares		Average Price
	(In thousands, except average price amounts)
Total repurchases under the repurchase plans	9,338		$	66.59	16,316		$	53.15	21,006		$	48.65
Total repurchases for tax withholdings	333		$	64.03	297		$	54.73	298		$	46.16
Total repurchases	9,671		$	66.50	16,613		$	53.18	21,304		$	48.61
Total costs	$	643,169			$	883,403			$	1,035,617

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table summarizes the changes in the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss for 2015 and 2014:



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Loss			Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(3,160	)	$	75		$	(3,085	)
Changes	—			87			87
Balance, December 31, 2014	(3,160		)	162			(2,998		)
Changes	(291		)	(704		)	(995		)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	(3,451	)	$	(542	)	$	(3,993	)

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the computation of weighted-average shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015	2014	2013
	(In thousands)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	114,155	126,710	144,591
Weighted-average potential shares of common stock outstanding:
Conversion spread related to Subordinated Convertible Debentures	18,047	13,384	10,361
Unvested RSUs	785	740	709
Stock options and ESPP	44	61	125
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share	133,031	140,895	155,786

Geographic And Customer Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Comparison of Geographic Revenues

The following table presents a comparison of the Company’s geographic revenues:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	639,170	$	616,125	$	585,201
EMEA	193,623		182,897		169,767
APAC	151,461		133,748		129,664
Other	75,112		77,347		80,455
Total revenues	$	1,059,366	$	1,010,117	$	965,087

Comparison of Property and Equipment, Net, by Geographic Region

The following table presents a comparison of property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
U.S	$	287,986	$	308,563
EMEA	7,544		9,919
APAC	40		546
Total property and equipment, net	$	295,570	$	319,028

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]

Classification Of Stock-Based Compensation

The following table presents the classification of stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Stock-based compensation:
Cost of revenues	$	7,009	$	6,400	$	6,156
Sales and marketing	6,763		8,023		6,252
Research and development	6,488		7,018		7,199
General and administrative	25,815		22,536		17,042
Total stock-based compensation	$	46,075	$	43,977	$	36,649

Nature Of Total Stock-Based Compensation

The following table presents the nature of the Company’s total stock-based compensation:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
RSUs	$	36,664		$	32,304		$	29,123
Performance-based RSUs	8,078			10,232			5,033
ESPP	4,051			4,192			5,486
Capitalization (Included in Property and equipment, net)	(2,718		)	(2,751		)	(2,993		)
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	46,075		$	43,977		$	36,649

Summary Of Unvested RSUs Activity

The following table summarizes unvested RSUs activity:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015				2014				2013
	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	(Shares in thousands)
Unvested at beginning of period	2,179		$	46.36	2,442		$	38.00	2,478		$	32.07
Granted	1,075		61.74		909		55.05		1,132		45.08
Vested and settled	(932	)	43.92		(878	)	35.99		(900	)	30.73
Forfeited	(212	)	51.47		(294	)	44.00		(268	)	36.09
	2,110		$	54.77	2,179		$	46.36	2,442		$	38.00

Non-operating income, net Non-operating income, net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Non-operating (loss) income, net [Abstract]

Schedule of Non-operating Income, net

The following table presents the components of Non-operating income, net:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Realized net gain (loss) on investments	$	185		$	(5	)	$	18,861
Unrealized (loss) gain on contingent interest derivative on Subordinated Convertible Debentures	(14,130		)	2,249			(17,801		)
Interest and dividend income	2,128			922			1,897
Other, net	1,152			1,712			343
Total non-operating (loss) income, net	$	(10,665	)	$	4,878		$	3,300

Income Taxes (Tables) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

Income before income taxes is categorized geographically as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
United States	$	248,932	$	270,373	$	250,041
Foreign	238,718		212,938		206,730
Total income before income taxes	$	487,650	$	483,311	$	456,771

Components Of Provision For Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Current (expense) benefit:
Federal	$	(13,601	)	$	(4,643	)	$	(1,104	)
State	(156		)	14			(8,150		)
Foreign, including withholding tax	(17,241		)	(69,614		)	(13,613		)
	(30,998		)	(74,243		)	(22,867		)
Deferred (expense) benefit:
Federal	(65,168		)	(76,614		)	53,629
State	(15,767		)	(15,402		)	66,701
Foreign	(481		)	38,208			(9,784		)
	(81,416		)	(53,808		)	110,546
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(112,414	)	$	(128,051	)	$	87,679

Reconciliation Of Income Tax At Effective Income Tax Rate

The difference between income tax (expense) benefit and the amount resulting from applying the federal statutory rate of 35% to Income before income taxes is attributable to the following:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	(170,677	)	$	(169,159	)	$	(159,870	)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(9,616		)	(11,308		)	(13,821		)
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	66,238			57,876			51,016
Reorganization of certain non-U.S. operations	—			(14,474		)	—
Tax (expense) benefit from worthless stock deduction	—			(14,497		)	1,717,466
Change in valuation allowance	(434		)	41,700			(1,195,303		)
Repatriation of foreign earnings	—			4,164			(167,115		)
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(706		)	(22,719		)	(140,596		)
Other	2,781			366			(4,098		)
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$	(112,414	)	$	(128,051	)	$	87,679

Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	As of December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	56,108		$	61,059
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	21,044			34,586
Tax credit carryforwards	86,951			100,190
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	106,572			103,794
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	1,162,320			1,161,896
Other	5,039			4,956
Total deferred tax assets	1,438,034			1,466,481
Valuation allowance	(1,162,604		)	(1,162,170		)
Net deferred tax assets	275,430			304,311
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(10,787		)	(16,115		)
Subordinated Convertible debentures	(538,098		)	(494,625		)
Other	(3,378		)	(4,151		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(552,263		)	(514,891		)
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$	(276,833	)	$	(210,580	)

Reconciliation Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	As of December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$	219,908	$	197,189
Increases in tax positions for prior years	—		22,538
Increases in tax positions for current year	372		181
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$	220,280	$	219,908

contingent interest payment for debenture

$ (10,759)

$ 0

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Minimum Payments Required Under Purchase Obligations



	Purchase Obligations		.tv Agreement		Senior Notes		Subordinated Convertible Debentures		Total
	(In thousands)
2016	$	28,001	$	5,000	$	60,938	$	47,170	$	141,109
2017	3,950		5,000		60,938		40,625		110,513
2018	47		5,000		60,938		40,625		106,610
2019	—		5,000		60,938		40,625		106,563
2020	—		5,000		60,938		40,625		106,563
Thereafter	—		5,000		1,472,187		1,925,391		3,402,578
Total	$	31,998	$	30,000	$	1,776,877	$	2,135,061	$	3,973,936

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 27, 2015	Apr. 16, 2013	Aug. 15, 2007
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs reclassified		$ 25,600,000	$ 20,400,000
Convertible debenture, interest rate					5.25%	4.625%	3.25%
Convertible debenture, maturity date	Aug. 15, 2037
Net remeasurement gain (loss) on foreign currency translation		1,000,000	1,000,000	$ (3,100,000)
Gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts		1,000,000	1,000,000	1,500,000
Advertising expenses		6,300,000	10,400,000	$ 13,200,000
Derivative, Notional Amount		32,500,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current			477,600,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current			233,100,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent		$ 294,194,000	$ 244,467,000
Building Improvements [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		10 years
Maximum [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
RegistrationTerm		10 years
Average Service Term		2 years
Maximum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		47 years
Maximum [Member] \| Computer Equipment, Purchased Software, Office Equipment, And Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		5 years
Minimum [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
RegistrationTerm		1 year
Average Service Term		1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Buildings [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		35 years
Minimum [Member] \| Computer Equipment, Purchased Software, Office Equipment, And Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of property and equipment (years)		3 years

Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Capitalized Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Internally Used Third-Party Software And Consulting Fees [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capitalized software cost	$ 426	$ 1,305
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Description Of Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Capitalized software cost	$ 20,061	$ 20,039

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities (Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash	$ 99,027	$ 110,799
Money market funds	137,593	85,453
Time deposits	4,007	3,384
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,685,882	1,233,076
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	890	0
Total	1,927,399	1,432,712
Included in Cash and cash equivalents	228,659	191,608	$ 339,223	$ 130,736
Included in Marketable securities	1,686,771	1,233,076
Included in Other assets (Restricted cash)	$ 11,969	$ 8,028

Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, And Marketable Securities narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 1,685,882	$ 1,233,076
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain	$ 1,000

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 30,126	$ 26,755
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	1,824,595	1,318,859
Total fair of value of liabilities	30,290	26,924
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	1,824,365	1,318,529
Total fair of value of liabilities	0	0
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	230	330
Total fair of value of liabilities	164	169
Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total fair value of assets	0	0
Total fair of value of liabilities	30,126	26,755
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	137,593	85,453
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	137,593	85,453
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments in money market funds	0	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,685,882	1,233,076
US Treasury and Government [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	1,685,882	1,233,076
US Treasury and Government [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
US Treasury and Government [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	890
Equity Securities [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	890
Equity Securities [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Equity Securities [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Forward Contracts [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts (assets)	230	330
Foreign currency forward contracts (liability)	164	169
Forward Contracts [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts (assets)	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts (liability)	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts (assets)	230	330
Foreign currency forward contracts (liability)	164	169
Forward Contracts [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts (assets)	0	0
Foreign currency forward contracts (liability)	0	0
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,126	26,755
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] \| Measured On A Recurring Basis [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 30,126	$ 26,755

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Changes In Fair Value Measurement Of Level 3 Items) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 26,755	$ 29,004
Unrealized (gain) loss on contingent interest derivative on Convertible Debentures	14,130	2,249
contingent interest payment for debenture	10,759	0	$ 0
Ending balance	$ 30,126	$ 26,755	$ 29,004

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 15, 2015
contingent interest payment		$ 6.5
Fair value assumptions expected volatility rate	29.00%
fair value assumptions credit spread	5.00%
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 3,200.0
Minimum [Member]
fair value hypothetical increase decrease in volatility rate	24.00%
fair value hypothetical increase decrease in credit spread	4.00%
Maximum [Member]
fair value hypothetical increase decrease in volatility rate	34.00%
fair value hypothetical increase decrease in credit spread	6.00%
Due 2023 [Member]
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 742.0
Due 2025 [Member]
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures	$ 503.8

Other Balance Sheet Items (Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Income Taxes Receivable	$ 23,098	$ 23,448
Prepaid expenses	14,823	16,190
Other	1,935	2,020
Other current assets	$ 39,856	$ 41,658

Other Balance Sheet Items (Property And Equipment, Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Land	$ 31,141	$ 31,141
Buildings and building improvements	244,760	243,300
Computer equipment and software	432,463	403,945
Capital work in progress	5,406	7,520
Office equipment and furniture	6,203	6,341
Leasehold improvements	1,350	1,858
Total cost	721,323	694,105
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(425,753)	(375,077)
Total property and equipment, net	$ 295,570	$ 319,028

Other Balance Sheet Items Other Balance Sheet Items (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,537,843	$ 1,537,843
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(1,485,316)	(1,485,316)
Goodwill	$ 52,527	$ 52,527

Other Balance Sheet Items Other balance Sheet items (Other long-term assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	$ 11,969	$ 8,028
Nontrade Receivables, Noncurrent	5,673	5,673
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Noncurrent	6,713	2,217
Total other long-term assets	$ 24,355	$ 15,918

Other Balance Sheet Items (Components Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 23,298	$ 29,335
Accrued employee compensation	51,851	49,470
Customer deposits, net	48,307	30,103
Interest Payable	27,701	21,138
Taxes payable and other tax liabilities	16,943	47,079
Other accrued liabilities	20,071	13,153
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 188,171	$ 190,278

Debt And Interest Expense Debt and Interest Expense (Senior Notes) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Apr. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 16, 2013	Aug. 15, 2007
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Offering Date		Mar. 27, 2015	Apr. 16, 2013
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 500,000			$ 1,250,000	$ 1,250,000	$ 750,000	$ 1,250,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.25%					4.625%	3.25%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 01, 2020	Apr. 01, 2025	May 01, 2023
issuance cost on senior note		$ 6,500					$ 12,000
Net proceeds from issuance of convertible debenture				$ 1,224,223
Debt Instrument, Term Length					10 years

Debt And Interest Expense (Credit Facilities) (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity of senior unsecured revolving credit facility				$ 200,000,000.0
Credit facility, maturity date	Apr. 01, 2020	Apr. 01, 2025	May 01, 2023
Aggregate increase of commitment amount available				$ 150,000,000.0
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest coverage ratio				3.0
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio				2.5

Debt And Interest Expense (Convertible Debentures) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 16, 2013	Aug. 15, 2007
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal amount of debt		$ 1,250,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000	$ 750,000,000	$ 1,250,000,000
Convertible debenture, interest rate				5.25%		4.625%	3.25%
Convertible debenture, maturity date	Aug. 15, 2037
Conversion rate per 1000 principal amount	2909.68%
Denominator of principal value upon which conversion is based	$ 1,000
Conversion price							$ 34.37
stock reserved for issuance		36.4	36.4
Minimum required sales price as a percentage of conversion price	150.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Stock Price Trigger		$ 44.68
Additional common shares potentially issuable based on if-converted value of convertible debentures			22.1
Debt issuance costs	$ 25,777,000
Discount rate	8.50%		8.50%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period			21 years 227 days
Effective interest rate							8.39%

Debt And Interest Expense Debt And Interest Expense (Proceeds Upon Issuance Of Convertible Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 1,250,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	(25,777)
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	1,224,223
Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	546,915
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	418,996
Long-term deferred tax liability [member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	267,225
Other Expense [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt	$ (8,913)

Debt And Interest Expense (Carrying Amounts Of Liability And Equity Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 16, 2013	Aug. 15, 2007
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net	$ 686,221		$ 686,221
deferred tax on debenture discount	(267,225)		(267,225)
Carrying amount of equity component (net of issuance costs of $14,449)	418,996		418,996
Principal amount of debt	1,250,000	$ 500,000	1,250,000	$ 750,000	$ 1,250,000
Unamortized discount of liability component	(635,378)		(645,565)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(10,422)		(10,570)
Carrying amount of liability component	604,200		593,865
Contingent interest derivative	30,126		26,755
Convertible Debt	$ 634,326		$ 620,620

Debt And Interest Expense (Components Of Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Contractual interest on Convertible Debentures	$ 40,625	$ 40,625	$ 40,625
Interest Expense, Debt	54,667	34,688	24,570
Amortization of debt discount on the Convertible Debentures	10,218	9,412	8,670
Interest capitalized to property and equipment, net	(586)	(707)	(1,218)
Other interest expense	2,707	1,976	2,114
Total interest expense	$ 107,631	$ 85,994	$ 74,761

Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 11, 2016	Jan. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased			212,900,000
Additional share repurchase amount authorized	$ 611.2	$ 452.9
Common stock authorized to repurchase	1,000.0	1,000.0
Remaining common stock available for repurchase	$ 388.8	$ 547.1
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock			$ 7,500.0
Two Thousand Fourteen Share Buyback Program [Member]
Treasury Stock Repurchase Programs [Line Items]
Remaining common stock available for repurchase			$ 454.5

Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Summary of Common Stock Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased	9,338	16,316	21,006
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased For Tax Withholdings And Other	333	297	298
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	9,671	16,613	21,304
Treasury Stock Shares Repurchased, Average Cost Per Share	$ 66.59	$ 53.15	$ 48.65
Treasury stock shares repurchased for tax withholdings and other, average cost per share	64.03	54.73	46.16
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 66.50	$ 53.18	$ 48.61
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	$ 643,169	$ 883,403	$ 1,035,617

Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Changes In Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustmentss Loss, Changes	$ (291)	$ 0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Balance	(3,451)	(3,160)	$ (3,160)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	(704)	87
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	(542)	162	75
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(995)	87	(2,697)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (3,993)	$ (2,998)	$ (3,085)

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References + Details

Calculation Of Net Income Per Share (Weighted-Average Shares Used In Calculation Of Basic And Diluted EPS) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	114,155	126,710	144,591
Conversion spread related to Convertible Debentures	18,047	13,384	10,361
Unvested restricted stock units	785	740	709
Stock options	44	61	125
Shares used to compute diluted net income per share	133,031	140,895	155,786

Geographic And Customer Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 Rate	Dec. 31, 2014 Rate	Dec. 31, 2013 Rate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	31.00%	31.00%	30.00%
Number of customers accounting for concentration of risk	1	1	1,000

Geographic And Customer Information (Comparison Of Geographic Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,059,366	$ 1,010,117	$ 965,087
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	639,170	616,125	585,201
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	193,623	182,897	169,767
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	151,461	133,748	129,664
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 75,112	$ 77,347	$ 80,455

Geographic And Customer Information (Comparison Of Property And Equipment, Net, By Geographic Region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 295,570	$ 319,028
U.S. [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	287,986	308,563
EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	7,544	9,919
APAC [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$ 40	$ 546

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (401(k) Plan To 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer contribution under the plan	$ 3.7	$ 3.4	$ 3.1
Common stock were reserved for issuance	12.3
Purchase price of common stock as percentage of lower of fair market value of common stock share on first day of offering period or last day of purchase period	85.00%
401 (k) Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee's contribution under the plan	50.00%
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Employer Contribution As A Percentage Of Employee Contribution	50.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage of Options/RSUs	25.00%
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	1.4
Two Thousand Seven Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	6.0
Two Thousand Six Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock were reserved for issuance	27.0
Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation withheld to cover purchase price of common stock	2.00%
Maximum [Member] \| 401 (k) Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer contribution as a percentage of employee's annual salary	6.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation withheld to cover purchase price of common stock	25.00%

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation Employee Benefits and Stock-Based Compensation (Classification of Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 46,075	$ 43,977	$ 36,649
Cost of Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	7,009	6,400	6,156
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	6,763	8,023	6,252
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	6,488	7,018	7,199
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 25,815	$ 22,536	$ 17,042

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Share-based Compensation by award type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 46,075	$ 43,977	$ 36,649
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	(2,718)	(2,751)	(2,993)
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	36,664	32,304	29,123
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	8,078	10,232	5,033
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation	$ 4,051	$ 4,192	$ 5,486

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Based Compensation to Modifications) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing price of Verisign's stock	$ 87.36
Income Tax Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$ 16.0	$ 15.1	$ 11.9
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 64.3
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost (in years)	2 years 5 months
Aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSUs	$ 184.3
Fair values of vested RSUs	$ 59.8	$ 47.9	$ 41.5
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units with performance condition	300,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units with performance condition	0
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units with performance condition	600,000

Employee Benefits And Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Unvested RSUs Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested at beginning of period, Shares	2,179	2,442	2,478
Granted, Shares	1,075	909	1,132
Vested and settled, Shares	(932)	(878)	(900)
Forfeited, Shares	(212)	(294)	(268)
Unvested at end of period, Shares	2,110	2,179	2,442
Unvested at beginning of period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 46.36	$ 38.00	$ 32.07
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	61.74	55.05	45.08
Vested and settled, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	43.92	35.99	30.73
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	51.47	44.00	36.09
Unvested at end of period, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	$ 54.77	$ 46.36	$ 38.00

Non-operating income, net Non-Operating income, net (Components of Non-operating income, net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Non-operating (loss) income, net [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	$ 185	$ (5)	$ 18,861
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	(14,130)	2,249	(17,801)
Investment Income, Interest and Dividend	2,128	922	1,897
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	1,152	1,712	343
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	$ (10,665)	$ 4,878	$ 3,300

Non-operating income, net Non-Operating Income, net (Narrative) (Details) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Non-Operating Income, Net [Abstract]
Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$ 3.0
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss)	$ 15.8

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal statutory rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Foreign Earnings Repatriated			$ 740,900
Foreign Withholding Tax			28,100
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) repatriation		$ 0	(4,164)	$ 167,115
income tax benefit, related to worthless stock deduction		375,300
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		187,400
unrecognized tax benefits offset against deferred tax asset			667,000
Tax Credit Carryforward, Deferred Tax Asset		59,300
Alternative minimum tax credits		19,800
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount		$ 173,100
tax benefit as result of repatriation			$ 8,600
Impact of tax holiday on diluted earnings per share		$ 0.14	$ 0.50	$ 0.18
Foreign Income Tax Paid, Net		$ 14,500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.25%
Tax credit carryforward expiration		2016 through 2034
Debt Instruments, Discount Rate	8.50%	8.50%
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent		$ 211,000
Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		8,900
Federal research tax credits		28,800
capital loss carryforward		3,000,000
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		1,600,000
Federal research tax credits		1,700
capital loss carryforward		3,100,000
Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards		$ 20,200
Tax credit carryforward expiration		2024
Federal And State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Date		2016 through 2034

Income Taxes (Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
United States	$ 248,932	$ 270,373	$ 250,041
Foreign	238,718	212,938	206,730
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 487,650	$ 483,311	$ 456,771

Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal, Current (expense) benefit	$ (13,601)	$ (4,643)	$ (1,104)
State, Current (expense) benefit	(156)	14	(8,150)
Foreign, including foreign withholding tax, Current (expense) benefit	(17,241)	(69,614)	(13,613)
Current (expense) benefit	(30,998)	(74,243)	(22,867)
Federal, Deferred (expense) benefit	(65,168)	(76,614)	53,629
State, Deferred (expense) benefit	(15,767)	(15,402)	66,701
Foreign, Deferred (expense) benefit	(481)	38,208	(9,784)
Deferred (expense) benefit	(81,416)	(53,808)	110,546
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (112,414)	$ (128,051)	$ 87,679

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax At Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$ (170,677)	$ (169,159)	$ (159,870)
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(9,616)	(11,308)	(13,821)
Differences between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate	66,238	57,876	51,016
Reorganization Items	0	(14,474)	0
income tax benefit, related to worthless stock deduction	0	(14,497)	1,717,466
Change in valuation allowance	(434)	41,700	(1,195,303)
Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Income tax	0	4,164	(167,115)
Accrual for uncertain tax positions	(706)	(22,719)	(140,596)
Other	2,781	366	(4,098)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ (112,414)	$ (128,051)	$ 87,679

Income Taxes (Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 56,108	$ 61,059
Deductible goodwill and intangible assets	21,044	34,586
Tax credit carryforwards	86,951	100,190
Deferred revenue, accruals and reserves	106,572	103,794
Capital loss carryforwards and book impairment of investments	1,162,320	1,161,896
Other	5,039	4,956
Total deferred tax assets	1,438,034	1,466,481
Valuation allowance	(1,162,604)	(1,162,170)
Net deferred tax assets	275,430	304,311
Property and equipment	(10,787)	(16,115)
Convertible debentures	(538,098)	(494,625)
Other	(3,378)	(4,151)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	552,263	514,891
Total deferred tax liabilities	$ 276,833	$ 210,580

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1	$ 219,908	$ 197,189
Increases in tax positions for prior years	0	22,538
Increases in tax positions for current year	372	181
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31	$ 220,280	$ 219,908

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) number in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of domain names registered	124.0
Uncertain tax positions	$ 211,000,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 651,482,000	$ 600,949,000	$ 579,397,000
ICANN Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Expiration Date of Registry Agreement	November 30, 2018
Registry fee per transaction	$ 0.25
Payments for registry fees	30,900,000	28,400,000	27,900,000
.TV Agreement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
renewed agreement fees	$ 5,000,000	$ 4,500,000	$ 4,500,000

Commitments And Contingencies (Minimum Payments Required Under Purchase Obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2015	$ 141,109
2016	110,513
2017	106,610
2018	106,563
2019	106,563
Thereafter	3,402,578
Purchase Obligation	3,973,936
Purchase Obligations [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2015	28,001
2016	3,950
2017	47
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Purchase Obligation	31,998
.TV Agreement [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2015	5,000
2016	5,000
2017	5,000
2018	5,000
2019	5,000
Thereafter	5,000
Purchase Obligation	30,000
Convertible Debt [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2015	47,170
2016	40,625
2017	40,625
2018	40,625
2019	40,625
Thereafter	1,925,391
Purchase Obligation	2,135,061
Senior Notes [Member]
Purchase Obligations And Contractual Agreements [Line Items]
2015	60,938
2016	60,938
2017	60,938
2018	60,938
2019	60,938
Thereafter	1,472,187
Purchase Obligation	$ 1,776,877